Philadelphia officials defend response to fire that killed 4 children steps from fire station

Solomon Johnson walks to his fire-damaged rowhouse, Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Philadelphia. Johnson lived next door to a home where four young children died in a fast-moving blaze that engulfed at least 10 residences over the weekend. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (The Associated Press)

Solomon Johnson talks with a reporter on the steps of his fire-damaged rowhouse, Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Philadelphia. Johnson lived next door to a rowhouse where four young children died in a fast-moving blaze that engulfed at least 10 residences over the weekend. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (The Associated Press)

Candles burn on the steps of fire-damaged home, Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Philadelphia, where four young children died over the weekend in a fast-moving blaze that engulfed at least 10 residences. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (The Associated Press)

A heat-damaged car and rowhouses are seen, Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Philadelphia, across the street from where four young children died over the weekend in a fast-moving blaze that engulfed at least 10 residences. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (The Associated Press)

Solomon Johnson pauses on the steps of his fire-damaged rowhouse, Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Philadelphia, as a neighbor recounts details from the weekend fire where four young children died in a fast-moving blaze that engulfed at least 10 residences. Johnson lived next door to the children. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (The Associated Press)